Schedule of Events

Available from mid-October through the Festival

The Zahnow Library on the campus of SVSU will featrue a Rothke display in its Roberta Allen Reading Room, located on the fourth floor of the library.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Poetry Slam

Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum (campus of SVSU); 6 p.m.Free and open to the public

Adults, college students, high school and middle school students are invited to participate in a poetry slam. Winners will be selected by judges. Preceding the slam at 6 p.m. is a presentation by Steps Montessori. The Public Libraries of Saginaw is a proud partner the Theodore Roethke Poetry & Arts Festival's poetry slam.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Letters from Home

Roethke Home, Saginaw; 2:30 p.m.Free and open to the public

Members of River Junction Poets celebrate Roethke with readings of letters written from and about his Saginaw home.

Ted (Roethke) Talk and Tasting

Friends of Theodore Roethke vice president Mike Kolleth will be on hand to offer a history of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet through the Roethke, Saginaw's favorite son, is considered one of the most influential American poets of the 20th century. In addition to a "taste of Roethke", our event will feature a wine tasting.

About our evening's presenter: Himself a Saginaw native, Mike Kolleth is senior director of public affairs and government affairs for the Dow Chemical Company. In addition to his role on the Roethke Board, Mike is also the chairman of the collections committee of the Saginaw Art Museum and serves on the operating board of the Great Lakes Loons. Mike's collection of Roethke materials ranks amongst the largest in private hands. Kolleth holds a Master's degree from Cambridge University, England and a B.A. from MSU.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

First Class

Rhea Miller Recital Hall (campus of SVSU); 3:00 p.mFree and open to public

A play by David Wagoner, playwright, teacher and former student of Theodore Roethke.

A one-man performance offering an insightful portrait of the legendary poet Theodore Roethke, the play is as deep and charismatic as the poet himself. Performed by Steve Erickson.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Mike Kolleth, Roethke book collector, will provide a history of Roethke through books and manuscripts. There is also a panel discussion about book collection and the future of physical books. Kolleth will be joined by collector ett Whitehead and Anita Dey, interim director of SVSU's Zahnow Library. Session two features SVSU English faculty members Lynne Graft and Ruth Sawyers analyzing Roethke poetry, and session three includes a tour of the Roethke home.

From A Greenhouse

Dow Gardens (1809 Eastman, Midland); 3:30-5:00 p.mFree and open to public

In celebration of Roethke's family business and love of nature, this special event will feature the 2014 Triennial Prize winner Tim Seibles, reading from select poetry. Sponsored by the Dow Gardens. Light refreshments.

First Class

Rhea Miller Recital Hall (campus of SVSU); 7:30 p.mFree and open to public

A play by David Wagoner, playwright, teacher and former student of Theodore Roethke.

A one-man performance offering an insightful portrait of the legendary poet Theodore Roethke, the play is as deep and charismatic as the poet himself. Performed by Steve Erickson.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Theodore Roethke Memorial Poetry Prize

Rhea Miller Recital Hall (SVSU); 7:00 p.mFree and open to public

Named for the late Saginaw poet who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1954, this distinguished prize has been awarded since 1968. The 2014 winner is Tim Seibles for his book of poetry Fast Animal, a National book Award finalist in 2012. A book signing follows the awarding of the prize.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Michigan Jazz Trail Big Band Concert

Bay City State Theater (doors open at 6:30 p.m); 7:30 p.mFree and open to the public

Ted Roethke was a true lover of great jazz. This concert, featuring a 19-piece orchestra and vocalists Molly McFadden and Ron Trombly, will perform jazz from 1930s to the 1950s.‌ [ Download poster » ]